Volunteer at Hospital radio

Volunteering

Here you will find information on volunteering opportunities within the Trust. Contact us to find out more or register your interest.

What is a volunteer?

Volunteering can be defined as the commitment of time and energy, for the benefit of society and the community, the environment, or individuals outside (or in addition to) a person’s family. It is unpaid and undertaken freely and by choice.

Volunteering can be extremely rewarding and offers many benefits including the opportunity to:

  • Meet new people with similar interests
  • Try something new and have fun at the same time
  • Develop new skills or use current skills
  • Experience different health care environments

Research has also proven that volunteering can also have a positive impact on an individual’s physical and mental health and well-being.

What types of volunteer roles are available in the Northern Trust?

The Northern Trust is committed to involving volunteers and welcomes and greatly appreciates the contribution they make on a daily basis, recognising the purpose and value of their role. We strive to offer volunteer roles that are varied, rewarding and fun.

Some of the available volunteer roles may include:

  • Activity Volunteer – music, games, reading, arts & crafts
  • Befriending
  • Complementary Therapy
  • Driving
  • Hairdressing
  • Hospital Radio
  • Mealtime companion
  • Meet and greet team
  • Recovery Coaching
  • Peer Support

Some of the settings that you can volunteer within may include:

  • Cancer Services
  • Children’s Services
  • Community & community facilities
  • Adult Centres/Day Centres
  • Hospitals and hospital wards
  • Mental Health Services

The Trust and associated partner organisations for volunteering (where applicable) will actively promote and recognise the dedication shown by volunteers at special events, including the NHSCT annual celebration event, through various awards and when opportunities arise. For more information on volunteer events contact the NHSCT volunteer service.

Volunteering within Cancer Services or Palliative Care

There are various roles within the Macmillan Unit and Laurel House in Antrim Area Hospital. We have a large team of volunteers carrying out some of the following roles – Meet and Greet, Ward Visitor, Mealtime Companion, Complementary Therapist, Beauty Therapist, Hairdresser, Nail Technician, Driver, and  Oral History Recorder.  There are also opportunities to volunteer with the Macmillan Information and Support Service based at Causeway Hospital in Coleraine.

Benefits of volunteering within Cancer Services or Palliative Care:

Extend your portfolio of skills, build your CV and avail of training with Macmillan and the Trust. Get elected for awards, receive opportunities to attend ceremonies and celebratory events and receive recognition as a community leader and someone who is making a difference.

If you would specifically like to volunteer within Cancer Services or Palliative Care, please contact Palliative Care volunteer services.

On contacting the relevant team you will receive an Expression of Interest form to complete. You will need to provide two referees and complete a self-declaration of health form. You may also need to undergo an Access NI (criminal records) check and an occupational health check.

Other volunteering opportunities within the Northern Trust Area 

There are many volunteering opportunities in the Northern area within and outside of the Trust. See the useful links to organisations that can signpost you to local volunteering opportunities outside of the Trust.

Volunteer Now
Causeway Volunteer Centre
Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre

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